I have never considered the connection between a patriarchal society and homophobia as a "weapon of sexism". In a patriarchal society such as the one we live in, the focus is men and masculinity and after reading Pharr's article I can see how homophobia is used. The idea of lesbians or gay men goes against patriarchy and that is why masculinity fears it the most. Masculinity is seen as the opposite of all things feminine and women being dependent on the protection and providing of men. Homosexuality goes against both ideas. America attributes being a gay man to being less than a man and closely related to being a woman. The stereotypical gay man is seen as a "sissy" and unable to accomplish "manly tasks" and society says this is not how a man should be. It is sad that people assume that all gay men are "less of a man" because I know some gay men who are more of a "man" as far as taking responsibility then the men who go around claiming to be a real man.
When it comes to homosexuality in women there are obvious reasons as to how this goes against patriarchy. In this type of relationship, two women are fully capable of surviving without the help or contribution of a man. Patriarchy says that women are dependent on men, therefore need a man to make it in the world. Lesbians prove otherwise, considering that they have fully functioning lives by themselves is a slap in the face of patriarchy and therefore is a threat to the entire system. This is why patriarchy uses homophobia as a way to counteract this way of life and its effects on the system. Hopefully as time goes on this level of homophobia will decrease making it easier for homosexuals in this type of society.
Amani Johnson
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